January 2019

Upon reflection, it is easy to see that 2018 was a year of widening divides. Communications policy was no exception. In the midst of a partial government shutdown, we take a look at how partisan division at the Federal Communications Commission is shutting down progress towards closing the digital divide. While we expect partisan division to persist, the change in House leadership means we are likely to see more scrutiny of Chairman Pai's deregulatory agenda.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced the committee’s six subcommittees and the respective chairmen. “In an effort to exercise oversight more effectively and develop policy in the many agencies and departments covered by Commerce’s broad jurisdiction, the six subcommittees have been reconfigured,” said Chairman Wicker. “For example, the new Subcommittee on Security will address the intersection of economic and national security.